Fred Rice
Born: December 18, 1944
Hometown: Allen Park, Michigan
Current Residence: Culpeper, Virginia
What is your Alabama Connection? Lived in Huntsville, 2005-2012
Current pursuits:
Retired, but continue to train the big three, SBD
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I began lifting in 1959, age 14. I was inspired by Tommy Kono, the great American weightlifter, and by Strength and Health Magazine.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
In 1988, when I was 43 years old, I learned about masters drug free competition, and began competing in the ADFPA in 1989.
Do you have a powerlifting nick name, if so what is it and how did you get it?
Doctor Deadlift, because the deadlift has always been my best lift and I’ve had so many American and world records (USAPL, IPF, 100 Percent Raw)
What weight class(es) did you compete in?
198 (and IPF 205), with a few meets at 220
Best Lifts @ 198 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
1102.3, 68 y.o.
507, 68 y.o.
286.5, 46 y.o.
RAW
402.2, 68 y. o.
1540, 50 y.o.
SINGLE PLY
575, 50 y.o.
650, 51 y.o.
325, 50 y.o.
Best Lifts @ 220 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
670, 51 y.o.
SINGLE PLY
How many years did you compete?
36
Between what year and what year did you compete?
1989-present
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in?
63
List your favorite meets you competed in.
WDFPF Master Worlds, Norwich, England, 1992, deadlift world record
IPF Master Worlds, Pilsen, Czech Republic, 2014, world champion and deadlift world record
What’s the highest classification you achieved?
Elite master
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
I’ve competed in 63 meets, including 18 masters nationals (USAPL=ADFPA), and 11 masters worlds (WDFPF and IPF). I’ve been USAPL national masters powerlifting champion 14 times, USAPL deadlift national champion several times, and WABDL national and world champion once each. I’ve been world masters powerlifting champion twice—once WDFPF and once IPF.
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Training partners Ray Benemerito (New Jersey) and Tim Womack (Alabama)
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
As a Christian powerlifter with a long powerlifting history, as above
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Go heavy or go home. If you don’t change directions, you might get where you’re going. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
State judge, announcer, mentor/coach for several lifters since I’ve been retired
575 lbs. @ 50 years old
